THE FAMILY of Otley fisherman Fred Metcalfe have thanked friends and family for giving him “a great send off”.

The 72-year-old grandfather, who worked at the Angling and Country Sports shop, drowned in the River Wharfe on Sunday, February 1. He had been out fishing at the time.

Mr Metcalfe’s funeral service took place at Otley All Saints Parish Church last Tuesday, February 17, with a wake held afterwards at Otley Social Working Men’s Club. His daughters, Alex and Rebecca, and son, Chris, said they were moved by all the support they had received.

They said: “We would like to express our most sincere thanks to all friends, relatives and work colleagues for all the support, lovely messages, cards and flowers at this sad time after the loss of our dad.

“Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”

A collection was held at the funeral for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.